St. Croix County board sets budget priorities as 2026 projections roughly balance

County administrators told the Committee of the Whole on April 3 that projected revenues of roughly $1.0–$1.2 million for 2026 are close to estimated personnel and benefit increases; the board asked the administrator to prioritize a step increase and manage health insurance costs while addressing a short list of high-pressure needs including HHS placement costs and court interpreter funding.